Cabinet set to release St Helens town centre funding

Article date: June 12th 2024

The decision will be made on committing £16.3million of earmarked funds to facilitate enabling works that incorporate the building of a new temporary bus station, together with demolition activity and preparations for the first phase of the once-in-a-generation programme.

The funding includes up to £7.4million for works to finally close and demolish the Hardshaw Centre, site investigations and ground clearance down to a depth of 2.5 metres to prepare for the construction phase and hoardings around the site.

Lisa Harris, Executive Director for Place Services at St Helens Borough Council, said: "The exciting regeneration of St Helens town centre, making it a place fit for the 21st century that communities can once again be proud of, will move from vision into reality if these funding plans are approved. This first phase will see all the works to prepare the site, from when the Hardshaw Centre finally closes its doors to the public, the site being made safe for demolition, before removal and groundworks to prepare for the transformational new buildings.

"This will see a magnificent new market hall that plays homage to our borough's proud glass heritage take centre stage, a new pedestrian street leading directly from the new multi-modal interchange to the heart of Church Square, new shopping opportunities, a new internationally branded hotel and homes. "

The funding also draws on £8.9million to support the multi-model interchange development on part of the site, including the first stage activity that will see works start on building a temporary bus station at Chalon Way West to continue to serve bus passengers over the construction period of the first phase development. While the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will ultimately provide a significant part of the funding for this project, the council will initially use its own town centre budget to facilitate and earlier start on site with subsequent reimbursement.

"To help the scheme move forward as one overall programme, the council is proposing to put forward the initial funding for the multi-modal interchange project as the temporary bus station initiative is a key part of moving phase one along into full delivery. We know residents are keen to see work start on the long-awaited regeneration programme and this funding will now help us make vital progress towards the transformational change of St Helens town centre," Lisa Harris added.

The proposals on the final funding for the enabling works will be decided on at Cabinet on Wednesday, 19th June.

To see the paper visit: St Helens town centre enabling works